7 apps for your next holiday hookup

From in-flight romance to dates with locals, these travel apps are redefining how we meet people

Men pay a Premium membership fee to contact others but women join for free. Create a trip request indicating whether you seek someone to travel with, a local to show you around or someone to visit you in your hometown. Choose to split the cost, pay for a date’s travels or indicate that you’ll only travel if your date is willing to pay for you. (iOS, Android; free)

SkoutAvailable in 180 countries, it lets you connect to users in the same area, doing what you want to do. So, whether you’re at a bar in Rome or a concert in Central Park, open the app and search users nearby. Shake your phone to start a new connection with someone. (iOS, Android; free)

Tourbar

Connect with global travelers or locals in Europe, Asia and the US. Get help and advice with your itinerary in a particular area and find someone to do it with. (iOS, Android; free)

VentouraConnect with people at your destination before you leave. Plan itineraries with pre-approved locals who can create personalized tours for you and chat with others who are at the same place as you. (iOS, Android; free)

AirDates

The world’s only in-flight dating app, it can make those long-haul journeys infinitely more fun. Build a profile and specify what you’re looking for. Then, update your status, announce your travel plans and, before take-off, share itineraries so you can find people who’ll be on your flight or in the airport at the same time as you. (iOS; free)

TriprMatch and chat with locals and fellow travellers, and get recommendations for activities and accommodation. But the best thing about this app is it lets you add multiple trips to your travel log, so you can chat with people about your upcoming trip and future trips. (iOS, Android; free)

Meetmeoutside

Ideal for outdoorsy types, it reduces the stress of planning what to do on your date and suggests places depending on your chosen activity. Share the top three items on your Bucket List, link with Instagram or Facebook and get up to seven “active” matches a day. (iOS; free)